Essau Selling his Birthright

Etienne Delaune

Associated Names
Etienne Delaune

Artist, French, 1518/1519 - 1583

This is a drawing of an elaborate decorative design with mythological and hunting themes. The central composition features two mirrored figures seated on either side of a large urn, each holding a baton and surrounded by mythical creatures and animals such as lions and birds. Flanking this central motif are two smaller scenes depicting hunters with dogs pursuing a deer on the left and a stag on the right. The scene is highly decorative, with intricate swirls, foliage motifs, and a symmetry typical of Renaissance design. This piece blends naturalistic elements with fantastical aspects, displaying a combination of order and whimsy.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 6.3 × 8.3 cm (2 1/2 × 3 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.3386

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Robert-Dumesnil, no. 433

  • Series Title

    Old Testament Subjects [R.D. 428-433]

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1967

  • Robert-Dumesnil, A.P.F. Le peintre-graveur francais, ou catalogue raisonne des estampes gravees par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'ecole francaise, ouvrage faisant suite au peintre-graveur de M. Bartsch. Reprint (11 vols. in 6). Paris: F. deNobe

Wikidata ID

Q64955776

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